EA FC 26 players hunting for the perfect left-back might finally get their wish. According to reliable leaker FUTSheriff, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella is rumored to receive a TOTY Honorable Mentions card through either an SBC or objective during the ongoing Team of the Year event—and the leaked stats look absolutely meta-breaking.
The Spanish defender has evolved from a solid Premier League performer into one of Europe’s most consistent fullbacks, earning his place in Spain’s national team. Now his virtual counterpart could become equally dominant on the pitch.
Table of Contents
Leaked Cucurella TOTY Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 88-rated |
| Position | Left-Back (LB) |
| PlayStyles | Jockey+, Quickstep+ (leaked) |
| Existing PlayStyles | Block, Press Proven, Relentless |
| Release Method | SBC or Objective (unconfirmed) |
Note: This information comes from FUTSheriff leaks and remains unconfirmed by EA Sports.
Why This Card Could Be Game-Changing
Premier League squads have desperately lacked elite left-back options in EA FC 26. While attackers and midfielders dominate the power curve, defensive positions—especially fullbacks—have lagged behind. Cucurella’s rumored 88-rated Honorable Mentions card could finally fill that glaring gap.
The leaked Jockey+ and Quickstep+ PlayStyles are particularly crucial. These traits boost defensive positioning and acceleration, making Cucurella capable of tracking speedy wingers like Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior. Combined with his existing Block, Press Proven, and Relentless PlayStyles, he’d become a complete defensive package with attacking versatility.
His base 84-rated card has fallen behind the meta after months of power creep from various promos. This TOTY Honorable Mentions upgrade would vault him back into relevance, offering Premier League managers an affordable yet elite defensive option.
TOTY Event Timeline
The Team of the Year event features staggered releases, with Honorable Mentions typically arriving toward the end. Based on historical patterns, expect these cards around January 24, 2026, following the main TOTY squad releases and preceding the fan-voted 12th Man announcement.
During this period, EA floods Ultimate Team with special content including upgrade SBCs, themed objectives, and TOTY Icons. The market experiences wild fluctuations as players open packs aggressively, making it both an exciting and chaotic time for traders and squad builders alike.
What Are TOTY Honorable Mentions?
Honorable Mentions reward players who narrowly missed the final TOTY XI but still delivered world-class performances throughout the year, receiving notable upgrades. These cards sit just below full TOTY status but often offer better value since they’re more accessible through SBCs or objectives rather than pack-only releases.
For Cucurella, this recognition makes sense. While he didn’t crack the main TOTY defensive lineup—dominated by names like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba—his consistent performances for Chelsea and Spain throughout 2025 earned him a spot among the defender nominees, making his debut appearance in the TOTY nomination pool.
Should You Complete This SBC?
If Cucurella arrives as an SBC, expect moderate completion costs—likely between 100,000-150,000 coins based on his rating and links. As an objective, he’d be grindable but time-consuming. Either way, Premier League managers should seriously consider adding him.
His Spanish nationality links perfectly to popular meta players while his Chelsea connection opens hybrid squad possibilities. The combination of defensive solidity and attacking contributions makes him ideal for possession-based tactics that push fullbacks high up the pitch.
For more strategies on building competitive squads and navigating the TOTY market crash, check our comprehensive EA FC 26 guides covering trading tips and team optimization.
Stay tuned to the official EA Sports FC website for confirmed TOTY Honorable Mentions releases. Until then, start stockpiling fodder if this SBC drops—Cucurella could become the most popular defensive card of the event.
FAQs
When will Marc Cucurella’s TOTY Honorable Mentions card release?
Based on leaks, Cucurella could arrive around January 24, 2026, during the TOTY Honorable Mentions phase, either as an SBC or objective challenge.
What makes Cucurella’s leaked card so good for the meta?
The rumored Jockey+ and Quickstep+ PlayStyles boost his defensive positioning and pace, perfect for tracking elite wingers while maintaining attacking threat from left-back.
